Comparison of coal gasification in fluidized and spouted beds

Abstract

Abstract Two sub‐bituminous coals, a bituminous coal and a reject coal of 55% ash were gasified with steam and air in a 0.31‐m dia. reactor operated in the fluidized and spouted bed modes. Inert beds of 1.1 mm dia. Ottawa sand and 2.1 mm dia. gravel provided stable fluidization and spouting respectively, at superficial velocities in the range 1.3–1.6 m/s. Coals of 1.19–3.36 mm diameter were fed to the gasifier at rates up to 45 kg/h and a range of air/coal ratios. For a given coal, results in the two systems were basically similar, although differences in gas heating value, gas yield and thermal efficiency were noted for some coals.